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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd July 2013
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Temperature monitor could save lives
Victoria Davidson, creator of AnimAlarm
Device sends text alerts to owners travelling with pets

A newly launched temperature monitor aims to reduce the number of dogs suffering from heat-related ill health.

The portable device, AnimAlarm, sends a text message to the owner for every degree that the temperature rises above the maximum set.

Designed to ensure pets are kept at the right temperature whilst travelling with their owners, the device can also be used for long-term temperature monitoring - in kennels, for example.

Victoria Davidson, former Three Day Event rider and creator of the AnimAlarm, said: "Research shows that even in a moving vehicle with the air-conditioning on or the windows open, the temperature throughout a vehicle can vary by up to 7°C.

"It can be 27°C in the front near the air-conditioning or open window and at the same time be 34°C in the back where your dog might be!

"These variations in your car’s temperature can have severe consequences on the health of your dog, so it is important to stay informed."

AnimAlarm was launched at Crufts this year and has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition for Innovative Product of the Year 2013 by business magazine, Aspire.

It is hoped that the product will raise awareness of the dangers of temperature variations, and deter owners from leaving their pets unattended within vehicles. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.